leitmotif or leitmotiv

noun: A recurrent theme in a piece of music or literature, situation, etc.

ETYMOLOGY:

From German Leitmotiv (lead motif), from leit- (leading) + Motiv (motive).
Ultimately from the Indo-European root leit- (to go forth, to die), which
also gave us lead, load, lode, and livelihood. Earliest documented use: 1937.

USAGE:

"Smart women speaking makes many men angry. Looking back, I see that this
has been a leitmotif of my life. This may not surprise you, but it
surprises me, every time."
Elizabeth Farrelly; If Only the World Boasted More Uppity Women; The Sydney
Morning Herald (Australia); Feb 13, 2014.